Tuxpan, Mexico
Tuxpan, Mexico is a vital Gulf port renowned for its strategic location and vibrant maritime activity.
Port Overview
Tuxpan is a major port located on Mexico’s Gulf coast in Veracruz, approximately 250 km northeast of Mexico City. It ranks among the country’s top container ports and is strategically important as the closest Gulf port to the capital and central industrial corridor, offering efficient road connectivity. Tuxpan features modern facilities capable of handling New-Panamax vessels and supports both containerized and bulk cargo. Its annual container throughput capacity is around 700,000 TEU, making it a key gateway for trade between Mexico, the United States, and Europe.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Tuxpan, Mexico’s main port facilities center on the Tuxpan Port Terminal (TPT), which features a 556-meter quay with 15 meters draft, two Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes, and extensive yard equipment including 30 container trailers, top and side loaders, forklifts, and 240 reefer plugs. The terminal covers 85.7 hectares, with 15 hectares dedicated to container storage, CFS, and warehousing. TPT handles containers, steel, forestry, project cargo, and metals. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently reported in use.
Container Terminals
Tuxpan, Mexico’s main container terminal is operated by SSA Marine and features one deepwater berth of 1,824 feet with a 15-meter draft. The terminal has a capacity of up to 710,000–800,000 TEUs per year. It is semi-automated, equipped with four ship-to-shore cranes and eight automatic stacking cranes. SSA Marine is the primary operator, and the terminal is among the most technologically advanced in Mexico.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern automated terminal with high-capacity cranes and seamless truck processing.
- Cargo operations: Handles containers, automobiles, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, asphalt, and fossil fuels.
- Ship services: Pilotage, ship repair, ship-breaking, fuel, water, and medical facilities available.
- Warehousing: Onsite storage yards and warehousing for various cargo types.
- Customs: Dedicated customs and agricultural inspection facilities for import/export clearance.
Global Connectivity
Tuxpan, Mexico is strategically located on the Gulf of Mexico, serving as the closest seaport to Mexico City and the central Bajio region via the Arco Norte highway. It connects with major ports such as Veracruz, Altamira, and US Gulf ports like Houston and Freeport, and offers direct shipping routes to the US, Canada, and Europe. Tuxpan’s modern terminal infrastructure supports efficient container, vehicle, and general cargo operations, making it a key gateway for international trade.
Port Statistics
Port of Tuxpan, Mexico – Key Statistics
- TEU throughput: Approximately 27 TEUs annually (containerized cargo is minimal; port is primarily focused on bulk and vehicle traffic)
- World ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
- Number of berths: 1 main container berth (Tuxpan Port Terminal), with additional berths for bulk and general cargo
- Area: 210 acres (about 85 hectares)
- Shipping lines: CMA CGM (notably serves the port), with limited container services; focus is on bulk, vehicles, and energy cargoes
